I'm A Travel Pro, These Are The Best Holiday Destinations To Take Kids And Teens (By Age)

Procida, Metropolitan City of Naples, ItalyTravelling with kids isn’t for the faint-hearted – but it can be a joyful (if not slightly exhausting, let’s be honest) adventure if you choose a destination that suits your child’s age.Whether you’ve got a small explorer, a school-age child or you’re holidaying with teens, Maria Belfort at Rickshaw Travel has shared her thoughts on the best destinations for different age groups.And you might be surprised by some of her top picks.Let’s dive in, shall we?For kids aged 1-5Top picks: Greece, Portugal, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia.“This age is all about balance,” said Belfort, “you’ll want easy logistics, short travel distances, and plenty of time to simply splash in a pool or dig sandcastles on the beach. But that doesn’t mean skipping out on culture.”She said Greece is a great option for families with little ones as it offers “a dreamy blend of clear, shallow waters and picturesque villages”.“On the Cyclades islands, such as Naxos and Paros, you can dip into local life with boat trips, donkey rides and taverna feasts,” she added. Portugal is another family-friendly option as it delivers sun-soaked beaches and compact cities like Lisbon and Porto, “with tram rides, castles, and gelato galore”. And yet another perfect European hotspot for young families to visit is Italy. Think “gelato-fuelled walks through historic piazzas, scenic countryside farm stays, and child-friendly meals at every turn”. While Thailand and Malaysia might sound adventurous, Belfort insisted they’re “surprisingly doable with young children” as you can combine beach time with gentle jungle adventures, floating markets and elephant spotting. Just make sure you pack plenty of snacks for the plane journey!For kids aged 5-10Top picks: Thailand, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Borneo, CanadaAs primary school-aged children become more curious and capable, Belfort suggests opting for longer-haul trips packed with adventure.Belfort said: “These destinations offer the right mix of wildlife, nature and new experiences – all with a strong dose of family fun.”She recommended the “wildlife wonderland” of Borneo – specifically river safaris in Sarawak and meeting orangutans in their natural habitat. Kayaking, firefly spotting, and rainforest treks make this an “unbeatable playground”, she added.Similarly, Costa Rica is like stepping into a David Attenborough documentary and is guaranteed to be a hit with kids. “Watch sloths hanging from the treetops, explore volcanoes, and zip-line over rainforest canopies,” said Belfort. Canada is also a great shout for slightly older adventurers. “Explore the Rockies, paddle crystal lakes, and spot bears from a safe distance,” said Belfort. “The west coast route is particularly good for kids who love the great outdoors.” For something a little more laid back, Bali offers family-friendly beaches, rice paddies to cycle through, and traditional crafts to try, all with an easygoing rhythm. While Sri Lanka and Thailand can offer tuk tuk rides, temples, and gentle wildlife adventures that are both educational and exciting.For kids aged 10-15Top picks: Vietnam, Thailand, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Borneo, Canada, Peru, IndiaAccording to Belfort, these destinations offer “the right balance of education and adventure – from ancient ruins and jungle hikes to hands-on experiences with local communities”.In Vietnam, she advises cruising through Halong Bay, exploring Hanoi’s buzzing streets, and learning about local life in the Mekong Delta. India can offer vibrant cities, majestic forts, and tiger safaris, while Peru provides an exhilarating journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. “For kids fascinated by ancient cultures and big landscapes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” she added.“Borneo, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica continue to be brilliant at this age, with more physical activities (kayaking, snorkelling, short treks) and fascinating ecosystems to discover,” she said.Meanwhile, Canada and Indonesia provide more stunning natural backdrops for multi-day adventures.For teens aged 15+Top picks: Vietnam, Peru, India, Borneo, IndonesiaTeens are ready for a proper adventure – and the expert said travel can be a brilliant tool for confidence building and perspective. She suggested Vietnam caters well to teens with its bustling cities, rural homestays, and beautiful beaches, “offering a coming-of-age style journey that they’ll remember for years”. Peru’s Inca Trail or alternatives like the Lares Trek can provide a real sense of accomplishment, while the country’s indigenous cultures can “open teens’ eyes to a different way of life”.She continued: “India offers a full-on sensory experience – from street food tours to spice markets and heritage sites. It’s an ideal place for older teens to begin thinking about global citizenship and responsibility.”And in Borneo, older kids can delve deeper into conservation work, jungle trekking, and learning about the fragile ecosystems of the rainforest.Last of all, Indonesia’s Sumatran rainforests or Bali’s quieter corners offer the “right mix of escapism and depth, with opportunities to explore independently and mindfully”.Happy holidays!Related...I Stayed In A Hotel's 'Christmas Room' With My Kids – And I’m Not Sure Who Had More FunDon't Make These 7 Mistakes When Travelling With Kids And Older AdultsPeople Are Sharing Little-Known Travel Hacks That Make Holidays So Much Easier

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